Technology can accelerate the claims and recovery process,facilitate communication with insureds, and simplify the trackingof information, but keeping up with the latest widget can be achallenge. Across the technology platforms are apps, equipment,computer programs, and more products than we can name here, butlet's take a quick look at some of the newer innovations that canreduce costs and improve service to insureds.

Disclaimer: Details are provided for information purposesonly. PropertyCasualty360 makes no warranties to a product'sperformance.

1. ITEL Mobile Lab App

Roofing, siding and flooring are just three of the componentsrequiring replacement in a major loss. Sometimes only a portion ofthe roof or siding needs to be replaced, like when a fire onlyimpacts one side of the house or a tree catches a corner of theroof. Matching the siding or roof shingles can be a challenge. Thenthere is the issue of finding a special order floor or shingles.Maybe the siding has been discontinued or is only available from aregional supplier. All of these scenarios take time andeffort to locate the right product.

ITEL has a new app thatmakes identifying and matching the products much easier. Adjusterscan submit photos, product samples and measurements to the ITELlab, where analysts can perform a nationwide product search toprovide unbiased pricing information and the best recommendationsfor matching replacement materials in approximately oneday.

2. Bio-Reveal – rapid bio-contaminationsystem

When it comes to detecting and testing for mold, bacteria andwater damage, a quick and easily administered test with instantresults can provide the information a contractor needs to begin anassessment and protect the workers. The Bio-Reveal system can detect thepresence of mold, bacteria and other biological contaminants (e.g.,trauma scenes, sewage, etc.) in just a few seconds with a simpleswab process and placing the material into the Luminometer withresults in 15 seconds. It can be used on building materials todetermine the effectiveness of cleaning, restoration or remediationactivities or in water to determine contamination.

3. Social Intelligence – social media search and reportbuilding platform

As more and more insurers are using social media to market theirproducts and manage their image, they are also find it invaluablewhen researching insureds to identify possible fraudulent claimsand high risk customers. With so many social media sites available,identifying the information and verifying it takes time and money.SocialIntelligence has created a new way to collect that informationand use predictive analytics to categorize claims and identify theones more likely to be fraudulent or abusive. While thesoftware doesn't allow access to social media information that isprivate, analysts use public information and links on the Web toidentify and research an individual. The company's proprietarytechnology searches literally millions of websites forinformation.

4. SPLICE – Human voice messagingsystem

Insurers know that customers prefer to receive their informationin a variety of formats, everything from text messages and emails,to actual human interaction. Good customer service is critical andeffective communication is vital. SPLICE Software has created apersonalized voice experience using a company's information andseamless “voice merge” technology to create personalized messagesthat make it sound like a client actually called a customer. Thecalls can be used for renewal reminders, claim status updates,fraud alerts and a host of other notifications. The SPLICEsystem helps to reduce call center traffic, and messages reach over90% of those contacted.

5. Esporta Wash System

Cleaning soft contents has always been a challenge, especiallyif there is biological contamination. The Esporta Wash System provides a new optionfor cleaning and restoring soft contents – everything from leathergoods, clothing and furnishings to stuffed animals andcollectibles. It can clean items damaged by smoke and soot, as wellas category 2 and 3 water. Its patented technology can remove 99%of contaminants and restore close to 90% of the contents in a hometo food grade clean.

The smoke damaged leather boots pictured here were cashed out bya restoration dry cleaner and put into storage, where they becomemoldy and dried to the texture of tree bark. They wererestored through the Esporta wash process.

6. Voiance – InterpreterApp

Today's adjuster is likely to encounter clients for whom Englishis their second or third language. This makes conversation trickyand increases the margin of error for misunderstandings on bothsides. Voiance has anapplication that can be used for both traditional telephoneinterpretation as well as video interpretation. And in thisconstantly changing business environment, there are over 200languages available 24/7 for the telephone interpretation portionof the app and 20 languages available for the video. American SignLanguage and Spanish are available 24/7 for the video app and theother languages are available during regular business areas. (Checkfor your time zone.) Adjusters can turn their iPad, tablet orsmart phone into a mobile interpreter in about 25 seconds orless.

7. OdorKlenz – Aircartridge

We've all been in buildings where there is a distinct odor froma fire, sewage, trauma scene or some other disaster-related event.Timilon has a new product, the OdorKlenz-Air cartridge that helps restore an odor-compromisedproperty into a more livable environment until restoration canbegin. The cartridge can be installed into portable air scrubbersand does not use or release chemicals or masking agents. It removesand absorbs airborne odor-causing molecules, works immediately, anddoes not compromise the living environment.